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Oil heater install question for 12iS

subpar_bucker

Well Known Member
I finally got around to installing the REIFF oil heater. The original instructions are here:

https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Notification-2016-10-17.pdf

I have a few questions for folks who have installed this in the 12iS configuration. First question has to do with the zip tie holes called out in the original instructions in step 2. The shape of the part to be drilled has changed (it's now a F-01201E-R-2). You can see the difference if you look at this update:

https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/RV-12iS_29iS-U.pdf

on page 29iS/U-09. I know that there were some cracking issues with this part. I'm reluctant to drill any holes in it in order to insert zip ties to retain the oil heater wires. Any suggestions on how to deal with this issue?

Second issue is where to place the heater under the #1 cylinder. I made a video showing where I've taped it initially:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRN4NJ9c-mI

Any comments appreciated. In hindsight, gluing this in place before installing the engine might have been easier :) Trying to figure out the best place for effective heating as well as easy of epoxying it in place.
 
I talked to Van's support. They have not updated the install instructions for the 12iS, but they do recommend installing the engine block heater portion on the other side (#2 cylinder side) of the engine for the 12iS. If I'm happy with my results I'll post pictures when I'm done.
 
I talked to Van's support. They have not updated the install instructions for the 12iS, but they do recommend installing the engine block heater portion on the other side (#2 cylinder side) of the engine for the 12iS. If I'm happy with my results I'll post pictures when I'm done.

Any update on your install? I’m getting ready to do mine, how did you remove the paint from the bottom of the engine?
 
I followed the instructions from reiff. I took the heater element and held it up to the oil pan and traced its outline with a gray sharpie. I put painters tape along the lines (leaving a little extra space per the instructions). Then I used Jasco Premium Paint and Epoxy Remover. I think I hit it twice with that, scraping it off both times. Then I took a wire brush in my drill to scuff the surface. Then I cleaned with acetone and used JB Weld to glue it in place (the epoxy that came with it was old enough that it looked dicey to me.
 
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